You are not only a very sought after make up artist, but also the head of your own make up school. Can you tell me more about your work as a make up artist and teacher?
Working as a makeup artist has changed over the years also enabIed me to work in different countries. I started my career in film and television production keying and assisting on various film and television shows.I later transgressed more into working with photographers between shows and when I arrived in Switzerland I have worked in all areas of the industry aswell as make up fx.
As a teacher I have been able to share all the experiences with my students and integrate it into the courses. Teaching is very rewarding for me I love to see how students grow and develope their techniques and Talents and I am so happy for them when they succeed.
What inspired you to become a make up artist?
When I was a teenager I watched many Period Dramas on television and film I loved also the old Hollywood movies . The big productions costumes sets wigs and period make up was my inspiration...how a team of talented professionals in the industry created beautiful visuals supporting the story. I worked on many historical dramas like chekov, ibsen and south african history Dramas.
What was your first job as a make up artist and how did that go?
My first job was as a junior Make up Artist at SABC (south African broadcasting corporation) back then I did studio duty that was doing make up on tv presenters and news readers and later on to keying my own small studio shows.
What was your proudest moment as a make up artist?
This is tough because their have been many.
First was when a well known South African actress put in a request to do her make up on a long tv series.
Getting my first job as a freelancer after leaving SABC.
Getting my first job on a hollywood film
Opening my school in Luzern Switzerland
Having my work published in International magazines which was always a dream!
And now to the contrary: What was your greatest mishap in your career, how did you rectify it and what did you learn from it?
I will never forget at SABC I was working on a series called "the tales of morty and theodora". All characters were cats except one big mouse. The actor was very tall, he wore a cream suit and he had whiskers as part of his make up. So inbetween takes I had to glue his whiskers on with mastix and whilst doing so i held the bottle of mastix at an angle and it spilled onto his jacket. I was not only embarrassed, but learned never to hold the mastix bottle that way again and not to be intimidated by an actor and to be calm.
How do you keep up to date with the latest make up trends?
I go to make up conventions, follow succesful make up artists in fashion and beauty and subscribe to Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and other fashion magazines.
How do you know which make up suits which woman? Like what are you looking at when you decide on a make up for each individual person?
I think it is often intuitive as to their character and using her natural features to bring out the best of her to enhance her beauty since I believe women are beautiful and we just bring that out and make them feel beautiful.
When you create a make up for a client - where do you get your inspirations from?
I get my inspiration from the client. If its a private client i talk to them about their wishes ;what is important to them i.e would they like their eyes to be the focal point or lips etc. It´s more of a personal consultation and importantly, that they feel comfortable with me and are forfilling their needs and not giving them instagram unless of course thats what they would like, then I adapt. The goal is that they are happy and feel beautiful which I mentioned earlier.
For a fashion commercial or film project the team is important we inspire each other and bring our ideas together, after doing research into the looks and overall picture, be the inspiration in nature, art, society, a trend or a muse or character.
What are your greatest challenges as a make up artist?
I think is not to give up If you love the profession. It is important to build confidence and persevere and grow as a person and your talents by keeping up to date with new trends and techniques regardless of the field. Its not always smooth sailing. It can be sometimes hard, but i think the key is believing in yourself, being humble and greatful for your teachers and open to learning, since it´s a fast paced profession and always changing. Be a nice person, be friendly. People like to work with positive happy friendly people .These may not seem like challenges, but for the longevity in the profession, I believe are good qualities to adopt.
What is your favourite brand to work with?
There are many as far as foundations go face Atelier, Dior, Charlotte Tilbury ,Cozzette , Viseart eyeshadows, Mac, the list goes on and on these are just to name a few.
What advice could you give to aspiring make up artists?
Work hard build a beautiful portfolio and references and just keep going. The rewards will come and enjoy the journey .
